Introducing the Gold Card Visa
Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Visa: A $5 Million Fast Track to U.S. Citizenship?: At the ‘Building the Future’ event in Washington, D.C., former U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a new immigration pathway called the Gold Card Visa, intended to lure ultra-wealthy global investors. With a minimum investment of $5 million, the programme promises permanent U.S. residency and a future path to citizenship, positioning itself as a premium alternative to the existing EB-5 visa programme. The initiative is specifically tailored for high-net-worth individuals seeking quick, elite access to the American dream.
Economic Strategy and Investor Response
Interested individuals can register through the official portal, trumpcard.gov. The Trump team claims this visa model will not only stimulate economic growth but also assist in easing America’s $36 trillion national debt through increased foreign investment. Early momentum has reportedly come from investors in the Middle East, reflecting global enthusiasm for a streamlined, prestige-driven entry to the U.S.
Legal and Political Controversies
Despite its financial ambitions, the Gold Card Visa faces serious legal scrutiny. Critics argue that immigration reform must go through Congress, as per the U.S. Constitution, making this executive-led rollout controversial. Concerns are also growing that using residency as a monetary transaction may distort the ethical balance of U.S. immigration policy, favoring the rich while sidelining traditional merit-based pathways.
EB-5 Programme Still Operational
The existing EB-5 visa programme, introduced in 1990, remains valid under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (2022) until 2027. It allows individuals to invest $800,000 and create 10 full-time jobs to qualify for a green card. While the Gold Card Visa targets a wealthier class, some lawmakers worry it may cannibalize interest in the EB-5, marginalizing mid-level investors who once saw the EB-5 as a viable option.
Static GK Snapshot
| Topic | Detail |
| Programme Name | Gold Card Visa |
| Launched By | Donald Trump |
| Investment Requirement | $5 million |
| Benefit | Permanent residency and pathway to U.S. citizenship |
| Website | trumpcard.gov |
| Intended Replacement | EB-5 Visa (for high-net-worth individuals) |
| EB-5 Programme Status | Reauthorised until 2027 (EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, 2022) |
| U.S. National Debt (2025) | Exceeds $36 trillion |
